RDA reinforces commitment to growth and talent development

Posted by on 18 Sep 2024

We are excited to announce that Rochdale Development Agency’s very own Stephanie Taylor has been promoted to Project Manager.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                       
After spending over three years teaching English in South Korea, missing friends and family Stephanie returned to Rochdale. Initially uncertain about her career path, after guidance from Rochdale Borough Councils Work and Skills function she joined the Town Hall team as an Administration Assistant, supporting the final stages of the multi-million pound Town Hall refurbishment project which is funded by Rochdale Borough Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund

From the outset, Town Hall project leads Emma Birkett, Heritage Director, and Emma Robinson, Senior Project Officer, recognised Stephanie’s potential. Impressed by her skill set and positive attitude, they encouraged her to consider a career in project management. By assigning her smaller projects to lead, they helped her build confidence, develop new skills, and determine if project management was the right fit for her.

Stephanie thrived in this environment, taking on increasing responsibilities while earning her Association for Project Management (APM) Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ), she is now working towards her APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ).

In her new role as Project Manager, Stephanie will oversee the Broadfield Slopes project, which includes the ongoing archaeological programme and subsequent construction work which will revitalise the area and place it at the heart of the community. She will also mentor two apprentices: an Archaeological Project Management Apprentice and a Community Ranger Apprentice.

The team’s work on the Slopes ensures that Rochdale’s rich history is preserved. The archaeological efforts, in collaboration with Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service (GMAAS), and local community groups, will continue to uncover the town’s diverse past, while the Community Ranger will lead an activity plan engaging young people to help safeguard these stories. By working with students from local schools and colleges, the project aims to make a lasting impact through co-creating events that both inspire and raise aspirations of the young people across the borough.

This dedicated team is at the forefront of preserving Rochdale’s heritage. Following the completion of the remarkable Town Hall renovation, they are now focused on the Broadfield Slopes project, as well as the redevelopment of Touchstones in the town centre, and the restoration of Hopwood Hall and Tonge Hall in Middleton, all part of the jigsaw that makes Rochdale a great place to live, work invest and play!

To learn more about Rochdale’s ongoing regeneration projects, click HERE.